Ja'Marr Chase Makes Final Call on Bengals Future Amid Contract Dispute

Ja'Marr Chase has decided not to pursue a long-term contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals this season, expressing frustration with how the talks have unfolded.

Chase and the Bengals have been in contract talks for months but could not reach a deal. Multiple receivers around the league have cashed in this offseason, resetting the market in a big way. CeeDee Lamb (four years, $136 million) and Justin Jefferson (four years, $140 million) are currently the two highest-paid receivers in the league.

Chase's status for the start of the season was in question but he ultimately decided to suit up for Week 1. But his long-term future in Cincinnati is now a significant question, per Adam Schefter of ESPN .

"The star wide receiver remembers the Bengals telling him at the end of last season and again during the offseason that he would get an extension, which ultimately did not happen," Schefter said, citing his sources. "Talks between Chase and the Bengals are off for now, and likely for the rest of the season unless the team does something to change the current situation."

Schefter added that Chase has taken out a $50 million insurance policy on himself to safeguard against injury. Chase is under contract for this year and next thanks to his fifth-year option.

Chase has proven himself as one of the best wide receivers in the league. He entered this season with 3,779 yards on 274 catches with 29 touchdowns and has been a Pro Bowler every year he's been in the league.

The Bengals were upset in their opener by the New England Patriots. Chase had six catches for 62 ya

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